Backfields Preview: Shortstop
Backfields Preview is a positional breakdown of the Atlanta Braves system entering the 2020 season. Previous installments are catchers, first base, second base and third base.
If an organization’s minor league system has any talent whatsoever, there’s a good bet some of it can be found at shortstop. The position is one of the most important on the field and is where the most naturally gifted and top player most likely plays at the amateur level. That player will sometimes move off the position as he grows, but shortstop will always have one of the highest numbers of prospects in a top 100.
Dansby Swanson is 26 years old with a good lock on shortstop for the Braves. He’s only in Arb 1 this year making $3.15 million and won’t be a free agent until 2023. For all his inconsistencies at the plate, he’s a solid defender capable of more with the bat when fully healthy for an entire season.
There’s no urgency to upgrade the position in Atlanta, so the fact that the position is somewhat barren in the Braves system isn’t a major issue right now. It is, however, something they’ll want to improve upon, whether that’s adding more in the draft or developing what they have. You always want good talent up the middle in your system, and the Braves are lacking a bit in that department.
Graded:
Braden Shewmake - 45
Right now, if you’re talking legitimate shortstop prospect ready within a year or two, Shewmake is it in the system, and I think he’s best suited as a utility type right now. Some evaluations are starting to place him as a potential everyday player. He surprised many with such a good post-draft report, but I’m not there yet. The bat has yet to show that type of impact for me. He has above-average raw power, but his approach and swing are geared for consistent gap power and occasional pull-side shots. Overwhelmingly Shewmake’s top tool is his hit, which has above-average to slightly more potential. He works the zone, covers it well and has an advanced eye, with a simple, level stroke to make contact. If he played every day, second base may be the better spot. His tools play up based on instincts and sound mechanics, and he has a soft glove, but his range is average at best and it’s an average arm. He has the versatility to play any infield spot when called upon, which is super valuable in a utility role. Shewmake likely returns to Double-A Mississippi and should stay there for most of the season.
Vaughn Grissom - 40
Grissom is a present shortstop prospect and will probably play there for a while, but as he grows into his frame he likely moves to third. He had the sixth-highest signing bonus of the 11th round last June as the Braves plucked him away from a Florida International commitment. He’s presently strong but still wiry and will grow into a solid frame with length and athleticism. The swing has a little length but it’s quick for his frame with excellent lift and separation. He seems to have a good idea at the plate, but the test will come when he makes the full-season jump. Grissom shows feel with the glove with good actions, and his quickness should translate well to the hot corner. There’s real corner slugger potential to go with good defense and enough arm. The overall grade is currently 40 but could fluctuate quite a bit with more looks and pro reps. His spring will help determine his initial 2020 assignment between staying in extended or making the jump to Low-A Rome.
System Depth:
- Beau Philip – Glove is Philip’s carrying tool, and he’s capable of sticking at shortstop and doing it well. There are legitimate hit concerns, so adding value by playing any infield position will help as he tries to reach the upper levels as a utility guy. A good spring would send him to Rome.
- Riley Delgado – Easy call here as upper-level depth capable of playing any infield position. Good, versatile glove and lack of an impact bat. His assignments are probably fluid at this point, but he should see Mississippi.
40-Man: None
Non-Roster Invitees: Shewmake
2020 ETA: None
A good season from Shewmake will have him knocking on the door, which would mean a utility role out of the gate barring some unforeseen issue with Atlanta’s middle infield. He likely debuts in 2021.
Top Tool: Shewmake’s 55 hit
Shewmake’s hit and Grissom’s power both have the potential to develop beyond above average.
Breakout Candidate: Grissom
Grissom is a definite sleeper in the Braves system. He already shows a feel to hit for his age and will only grow into more power as he matures. He could start getting attention in rankings with a solid full season.
2019 Top Transaction: Drafted and signed Shewmake, drafted and signed Grissom.
2019 Top Performance: Shewmake hit .318/.389/.473 with 23 extra-base hits and 11 stolen bases in 51 games for Rome after the draft.